Immigration

13 September 2017

INDIA: Local regulations changed in Chennai

The authorities in Chennai have introduced two new major changes with regards to foreign nationals in the region. These changes are in line with a new national strategy in India to control and track the flow of foreign nationals and ensure that compliancy issues do not arise from any over stays on permits.

The first change affects the processing times of work permit applications; instead of same day processing, work permit applications are now expected to take up to 15 days. The reason given is that it allows more time for the authorities to make better informed judgements on applications and more time to do more in depth reviews.

The second change requires landlords and managers of accommodations where foreign nationals (tourists exempted) stay upon arrival to Chennai to report said arrival to the relevant authorities within 24 hours. If this requirement is not met within the 24 hour time frame then an authorised representative of the employer must go in person to the authorities and explain why.

How does this affect the client?

Employers should be aware of the change and ensure that all arrivals of foreign nationals are reported in a timely manner to avoid any issues with immigration. If necessary, internal processes and procedures should be updated.